November 18, 2016

The Quiet Life

Life has been fairly quiet lately, by choice, and I have found myself introverting on a larger than usual scale. I think it is due, in large part, to the ugliness and negativity in the world. I also know from experience that part of it is the change of seasons which always bring on a need to quiet the noise around me. This year there is an additional reason.

I am in the midst of the most creative season of my life. I'm not really sure where it came from. There aren't enough hours in the day to get all of the creative ideas I have in my head finished, and because of that I find it incredibly difficult to tear myself away. It is at once an overwhelming and exciting experience. I told my Sweet Man that I think this might be my midlife crisis. How lucky is he? I feel like I am having an affair with creativity! The most fallout there might be from this crisis is a surplus of pretty things around the house and possibly less cooking and cleaning going on. I'm pretty sure he can live with that and maybe even be better off for it.

The down side to this creative fire is that I have a hard time shutting it down for the day. The up side is that most nights feel like Christmas eve to me and I can't wait to go to sleep so I can hurry up and wake up and start creating again. I find that I'm pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and tackling things that I've been afraid to tackle before like sewing zippers, learning crochet and knitting socks.

ALL the socks. I'm obsessed. It seems a very odd thing to be obsessed with. Like 40 is the new 70. I just wish there were more hours in the day and also that I had an extra set of hands. It's all consuming for me right now and I've just decided to give into it. I'm really enjoying this place just out of reach of my comfort zone and I love the satisfaction and pride that comes with pushing through obstacles and teaching myself a new skill. It feels like a gift I am giving myself, and one that was very needed right now.

Actually now that I think about it, I'm sure this must all stem from giving myself the gift of my Sacred Day. Of course! I'm not sure why that didn't occur to me before. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Preserving that time for myself has given me permission to open myself up to all of the ideas and apparently they were just looking for an opening. I'm so thankful for this particular season.

First of all, I want to learn to knit socks! So again, wishing I lived in the Village too and could come glean creative wisdom from you. ;) Second, your sacred day is inspiring me to really think about how to carve out some intentional creative time again in my life--adding our precious toddler has meant that our un-interrupted homeschool time (naptime) now occupies what used to be quiet time for all of us. And I can tell it's taken a toll on me this year creatively. So thank you for this encouragement.

Oh my -- love to hear and see all about your creative side! My girl and I are just attempting some sewing and it brings back such wonderful memories of my Mom at her sewing machine! Wish I lived in your village so I could learn from you!

And yes, I agree there has been so much negativity and meanness in the world lately - why can't everyone just be a little kinder?

OH- I am so very, very happy for you, Jen! What a wonderful thing to be consumed with...to know that everything you turn your hand to is beautifying your home...and even better...satisfying your soul. What a blessing! xo Diana

How fun to enjoy the creative time in your life! Would love to see your finished projects...I am always inspired by the bloggers who post their DIY's and creative projects! Can't wait to see what future projects you create!

I seem to go through this stage every now and then and I love it. I could be in a slump for months, or lose my creative mojo, and then it comes back and I'm on high speed all day long, and I can't get enough of the creative juices flowing! Glad you found more of them pouring out of you.... and I totally understand the Christmas eve feeling.. of wanting to go to bed so you can hurry and get up and make more things! Trouble with me is, I just end up staying up way too late, so I can keep on making... and then I pay the next day... though I AM retired and that is such a gift to be able to create as much as I want to (well, aside from all the household chores, cooking, cleanup, etc.) A funny note: The photo with your cat was such a surprise as I was thinking how those curtains behind him match the ones I have in my little laundry "alcove" to block the hot water heater.. and then I see your kitty and he looks like the twin of a new kitten we've rescued from our neighbor's junkpile! Now I know what he'll look like when he grows up! Enjoy your creative rush!

Those times of inactivity are for good reason, creativity needs it's batteries charged. Think many of us go thru those slumps, if not is person with lots more energy. So happy for you to hit high energy with your creativity, is how I felt when I discovered blogs. So much talent, ideas, generosity of sharing how to do those projects from bloggers. Getting acquainted with people might never have otherwise, all over world, so exciting. Sometimes still get those slumps but figure is reason for them, need a rest. Friends who have known me for years tell me how much more animated I am, hard for me to keep ideas to myself.Now you'll have us all waiting to see what you create, the more you create, the more you'll create, seems like creating feeds on itself, one idea becomes another and another. Go with what you're feeling, have fun with it and most of all ENJOY yourself.Your kitty looks just like one we had, so pretty and smart. They like to see what you're doing, keep you company.Have wonderful creative days.

This creative burst sounds wonderful. I love you have given into it, and you are letting it flow. Like everything, the more you create, the more creative you are. Does this make sense? Hugs to you, and please share your creations, I know they are (will be) fabulous!

As an introvert myself, I just wish most days weren't so busy where I had to go out and run errands! I also need to learn to give myself permission to work on art (or whatever else inspires me). I am so much a do-er and perfectionist, I find it hard to relax and give myself time for pleasure...I'm always doing housework and cooking meals when at home. Anyway, your post was inspiring - thank you.

I can't wait to see some of the pretty things you are working on...everything you do is lovely!Creativity is such a special thing and making time to tap into it is life changing!Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hugs, Kimberley

I think you are in a very magical time, or state of mind...however you see it! I would love to have that excitement to go to bed each night looking forward to the morning...it is definitely something I can identify with going way back to being a child. I love that YOU love what you are doing. Perhaps that will make many of us (and I know I will), take notice of the beauty and potential in the word around us. And start a few projects along the way!!

How are you? Gosh, I have been away from blogland for a while, but it has been SOOOOOOOOO nice to catch up. Please sprinkle some of your creative magic my way, as I seem to be having the opposite to you! My creative juices have been lying dormant for the past year. It's been TERRIBLE! I am desperate to crack on again, and desperate to feel that rush of excitement at being inspired again. I'm not really sure what is going on in my head. It's been a topsy turvy year I suppose. I've had no time for myself, and when I feel like I need to do something creative to keep me sane, I've just had this rush of guilt at taking time from something else important I should be doing. I need a sacred day too! I don't know why I'm feeling the guilt so much. I think it's because I work more now, so my free time is less, and that free time seems to need to be doing household maintenance and stuff. All boring and mundane. I'm hoping that 2017 will bring with it light and sunshine...and a clearer head to be more productive and more creative.

You are right, it's been a funny year, that perhaps has led one to be more introspective than usual. Who knows what the future holds, but all we can do is be kind to others, and feed our creative souls to give us joy.

Take care my lovely. I always feel so soothed coming to your corner of the world.

About Me

I'm a Village living, decorating obsessed, home chef, gardener in training, creative spirit and lover of the simple life. I am Mom to 2 sweet girls and wife to 1 amazing man. I love my family, friends and all things cottage and vintage. I believe in taking risks and following your dreams. Life is short. Enjoy every moment.